Adhesive tape

ABSTRACT

An adhesive tape comprises a tape portion including a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon. The adhesive tape further includes a handle portion comprising a first edge, wherein the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to adhesive tape, and more specifically to an improved adhesive tape system and method of application thereof.

Adhesive tape, and more particularly masking tape, is used for numerous and varied purposes, as well as in numerous applications. One such purpose is to demarcate a surface into a zone which requires painting, from another zone that does not. In this application, typically, a removable masking tape is used to demarcate these zones such that after the painting process is complete, the masking tape is removed, and the painting process is thereby confined to the desired area.

For example, in the field of automotive refinishing, the masking operation is critical to protect the areas of the vehicle that are not to be painted, from those that are to be. Additionally, the masking operation can be quite extensive, costly, and time consuming. Further, the masking operation must be done by a relatively skilled worker, as if it is improperly done, costly and time consuming mistakes may occur. As such, one of the most time consuming steps in automotive refinishing is in the preparation that takes place before the actual finishes are applied.

Normally the finishing process begins by spraying one or more layers of primer over the panel that is to be finished. For example, consider a repair that has been done where the rear of a fender meets the front of the driver's door. When primer is sprayed over this area, some primer enters the gap between the panels, also called a “jamb” area. This “overspray” can be seen by looking at the hinge area of the door after opening the driver's door. Because the front door edge moves in relation to the fender when the door is opened, it is extremely difficult to tape this gap from the inside. In this situation, technicians typically follow several procedures to prevent this area from receiving overspray.

One common procedure is to allow the sprayed material to overspray areas behind the gap, and then to clean the overspray from the hinge area using a solvent. However, this procedure is difficult and time consuming, and therefore costly.

An alternative procedure is to overspray the areas behind the gap, and then spray the proper matching color of the automobile over the overspray. In addition to being time consuming, this procedure is generally unsatisfactory due to the hinge area not being properly prepared (clean or prepared for painting). Thus, the paint tends to flake or peel over time.

A third procedure is to overspray the area behind the gap and leave the area discolored. This “do nothing” procedure is certainly the most time efficient procedure, however, it is generally not considered a proper repair.

Finally, this jamb area can be masked off in order to prevent the overspray from entering the areas altogether.

Generally, the accepted proper procedure is to either: 1) prep and paint the jamb area. This procedure typically involves removing one or more of the automobile panels and then thoroughly cleaning and preparing the surface to accept the applied finishes; or 2) to mask the area in an attempt to keep the overspray from entering and adhering to the jamb area. However, both of these approaches require an investment of a significant amount of time and effort.

Accordingly, a need exists for novel systems and methods which have, among other advantages, ease of use, decreased application time, while increasing productivity. Therefore, an adhesive tape that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantage of prior art adhesive tapes have been identified and a solution is set forth herein by the inventive adhesive tape which comprises a tape portion, wherein the tape portion includes a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon. The tape also includes a handle portion, wherein the handle portion comprises a first edge. Further, the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion.

Another aspect of the present invention includes an adhesive tape which comprises a tape portion including a first side and a second side, wherein at least the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon. The adhesive tape also includes a handle portion comprising a first edge, wherein the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion. Further, the tape portion is positionable, longitudinally, along the first edge of the handle portion.

In another aspect of the present invention an adhesive tape comprises a tape portion including a first side and a second side, wherein at least the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon. The adhesive tape also includes a handle portion comprising a releasable liner, and including a first edge, wherein the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally and centrally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion. Further, the tape portion is adapted to be positionable, longitudinally, along the first edge of the handle portion, such that the tape portion may be angularly configured to be disposed less than 180 degrees with respect to the handle portion.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of applying an adhesive tape includes providing an opening disposed between a pair of adjacent panels; providing an adhesive tape comprising: a tape portion, the tape portion including a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon; a handle portion, the handle portion comprising a first edge; wherein the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion such that the tape portion is divided into at least a first and a second portion; positioning the first and the second portion angularly with respect to the handle portion, wherein the width of the tape portion is wider than the width of the opening; inserting the tape portion into the opening, wherein the tape portion compresses as the tape portion comes in contact with the opening and is inserted therethrough, and expands when the tape portion is inserted therein; and pulling the handle portion, thereby inducing contact between the adhesive layer of the first side of the tape portion to an underside of at least one of the adjacent panels.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of applying an adhesive tape includes: providing an opening disposed between a pair of adjacent panels; providing an adhesive tape; positioning the tape portion such that the tape portion is angularly disposed less than 90 degrees with respect to the handle portion and the width of the tape portion is wider than the width of the opening; inserting the tape portion into the opening, wherein the tape portion compresses as the tape portion comes in contact with the opening and is inserted therethrough, and expands when the tape portion is inserted therein; and pulling the handle portion, thereby inducing contact between the adhesive layer of the first side of the tape portion to an underside of at least one of the adjacent panels.

In still another aspect of the present invention, an adhesive tape includes a tape portion, the tape portion including a first side and a second side, wherein at least the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon. The adhesive tape also includes a handle portion comprising a first edge, wherein the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion such that the tape portion is divided into at least two portions. Further, the two tape portions are adapted to be positionable, longitudinally, along the first edge of the handle portion.

Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosures that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims.

In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The adhesive tape of the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the claims.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

These and other objects, along with the various features, and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the adhesive tape of the present disclosure, its advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention.

As such, while embodiments of the adhesive tape are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As a compliment to the description and for better understanding of the specification presented herein, 7 pages of drawings are disclosed with an informative, but not limiting, intention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adhesive tape of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adhesive tape of FIG. 1 with the tape portion folded and ready for application;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the adhesive tape of FIG. 1 in one embodiment of a manufactured state for strip goods;

FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the adhesive tape of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an end view of the adhesive tape of FIG. 1 in a second embodiment of a manufactured state for rolled goods;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the adhesive tape of FIG. 2 being applied;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adhesive tape of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the adhesive tape of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method of installing the adhesive tape of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of the preferred embodiment, wherein similar referenced characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, these same referenced numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. Further, the dimensions illustrated in the drawings (if provided) are included for purposes of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, particular details in the drawings which are illustrated in hidden or dashed lines are to be considered as forming no part of the present invention.

As used herein, the term adhesive is meant to be used and defined in its general and ordinary sense. That is to say any substance, material or compound that unites or bonds surfaces together, whether it be physically or chemically and may include, for example, pressure sensitive adhesives, liquid adhesives, resin adhesives, sealants, glues, gums, and any other binders regardless of whether they are liquid, tape, solid or any other form. Additionally, the bond strength, ease of release, amount of residual adhesive, etc., are all factors that can be varied to suit the particular requirements of the end user. Of course, this is not meant to be limiting in any manner and these adhesives may take on numerous configurations, forms and chemical compositions.

The present invention relates to adhesive tape, and more specifically to an improved adhesive tape system and method of application.

Adhesive tape, and more particularly masking tape, is used for numerous and varied purposes, as well as in numerous applications. One such purpose is to demarcate a surface into a zone which requires painting, from another zone that does not. In this application, typically, a removable masking tape is used to demarcate these zones such that after the painting process is complete, the masking tape is removed, and the painting process is thereby confined to the desired area. For example, in the field of automotive refinishing, the masking operation is critical to protect the areas of the vehicle that are not to be painted, from those that are to be. Additionally, the masking operation can be quite extensive, costly, and time consuming. Further, the masking operation must be done by a relatively skilled worker, as if it is improperly done, costly and time consuming mistakes may occur. As such, one of the most time consuming steps in automotive refinishing is in the preparation that takes place before the actual finishes are applied.

Normally the finishing process begins by spraying one or more layers of primer over the panel that is to be finished. For example, consider a repair that has been done where the rear of a fender meets the front of the driver's door. When the primer is sprayed over this area, some primer enters the gap between the panels, also called a “jamb” area. This “overspray” can be seen by looking at the hinge area of the door after opening the driver's door. Because the front door edge moves in relation to the fender when the door is opened, it is extremely difficult to tape this gap from the inside. In this situation, technicians typically follow several procedures to prevent this area from receiving overspray.

One common procedure is to allow the sprayed material to overspray areas behind the gap, and then to clean the overspray from the hinge area using a solvent. However, this procedure is difficult and time consuming, and therefore costly. An alternative procedure is to overspray the areas behind the gap, and then spray the proper matching color of the automobile over the overspray. In addition to being time consuming, this procedure is generally unsatisfactory due to the hinge area not being properly prepared (clean or prepared for painting). Thus, the paint tends to flake or peel over time. A third procedure is to overspray the area behind the gap and leave the area discolored. This “do nothing” procedure is certainly the most time efficient procedure, however, it is generally not considered a proper repair. Finally, this jamb area can be masked off in order to prevent the overspray from entering the areas altogether.

Generally, the accepted proper procedure is to either: 1) prep and paint the jamb area. This procedure typically involves removing one or more of the automobile panels and then thoroughly cleaning and preparing the surface to accept the applied finishes; or 2) to mask the area in an attempt to keep the overspray from entering and adhering to the jamb area. However, both of these approached require an investment of a significant amount of time and effort.

Accordingly, a need exists for novel systems and methods which have, among other advantages, ease of use, decreased application time, while increasing productivity. Therefore, an adhesive tape that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is desired.

The disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art are overcome through the adhesive tape of the present invention, wherein one preferred embodiment is disclosed in FIGS. 1-3. Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment of the adhesive tape 2 which comprises a tape portion 10, wherein the tape portion includes a first side 12 and a second side 14. First side 12 includes an adhesive layer 20 disposed thereon. A handle portion 30 is also included which comprises a first edge 32, wherein the first edge of handle portion 30 is longitudinally disposed adjacent the first side 12 of tape portion 10.

In one preferred embodiment, tape portion 10 comprises a relatively thin and longitudinally flat material and includes a first side 12 and a second side 14. Adhered, layered, laid down, or otherwise disposed on first side 12 is an adhesive layer 20. For example, tape portion 10 may be similar in characteristics and composition to a masking tape. In this particular embodiment, second side 14 will not contain an adhesive and as such, will be non-adhering. Of course, this is not meant to be limiting in any manner and second side 14 may comprise one or more adhesives as the particular requirements dictate.

Adhesive layer 20 may be any adhesive substance, material or compound that unites or bonds with a surface, regardless of its reaction mechanics and may adhere physically, chemically, or by any other process. For example, adhesive layer 20 may include, for example, one or more of the following: pressure sensitive adhesives; liquid adhesives; resin adhesives; sealants; glues; gums; or any other binders regardless of whether they are liquid, tape, solid or any other forms. Additionally, the bond strength, ease of release, amount of residual adhesive, etc., are all factors that can be varied to suit the particular requirements of the end user. Of course, this is not meant to be limiting in any manner and these adhesives may take on numerous configurations, forms and chemical compositions.

The specific configurations and features of tape portion 10 may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment, tape portion 10 is generally thin and longitudinally flat paper material with a non-permanent, or releasable, adhesive disposed on first side 12. For example, a rubber adhesive disposed on a paper backing. However, the shape of tape portion 10 may vary according to specific requirements and further, other materials and adhesives may be used. For example, tape portion 10 may comprise a plastic material either replacing or in combination with a paper material and any adhesive may be used as the requirements dictate.

In one preferred embodiment, handle portion 30 also comprises a relatively thin and longitudinally flat material and includes a first edge 32. For example, handle portion 30 may be similar in characteristics and composition to a release liner. Release liners and/or films are generally known in the art and comprise a backing material such as paper or plastic that is coated, layered, or otherwise has disposed on one or more surfaces a coating that does not adhere to the adhesive, or at least adheres less in order to permit the release liner to be easily removed from the adhesive, and typically serves to protect the adhesive until ready for use. These materials may include paper or plastic materials which are coated, layered, or otherwise have disposed on them non-stick coatings such as silicones, waxes, and the like. In one preferred embodiment, handle portion 30 comprises a releasable liner coated with silicone material such that adhesive layer 20 of first side 12 is easily removed from one or more sides 34 and 35 of handle portion 30. In addition, one or more chemicals, features, or other systems may be added to improve the grip of handle portion 30. Of course, this is not meant to be limiting in any manner and handle portion 30 may comprise any material composition and further, if the requirements dictate, may comprise one or more adhesives.

Tape portion 10 is fabricated, adhered, positioned or otherwise disposed on handle 30 such that the first edge 32 of handle 30 is longitudinally positioned along the first side 12 of tape portion 10. For example, in one preferred embodiment first edge 32 is centrally disposed longitudinally along first side 10, dividing first side 10 into first and second portions or areas 16 and 17, as depicted in FIG. 1 and, as depicted in FIG. 2, is positionable, foldable, or otherwise movable such that angle α and angle β may be varied. In other words, in this particular embodiment, first and second portions or areas 16 and 17, respectively, of tape portion 10 may be folded or bent. In this manner, the adhesive layer 20 of first portion 16 may be folded onto first side 34 of handle 30, and second portion 17 may be folded onto second side 35 as depicted in FIG. 3. In this manner tape 2, and more particularly adhesive layer or surface 20 may be protected until ready for use. In this configuration tape 2 could be supplied in either rolled goods or strips. An alternative form of adhesive tape 2A as illustrated in FIG. 3C, wherein first portion 16A is disposed relatively in-line with handle portion 30A and second portion 17A is disposed as described above with respect to the first embodiment. This manner facilitates providing tape 2A in the forms of rolled goods, as adhesive surfaces 20A will adhere to second side 14A of second portion 17A when rolled. For example, when rolled around a core (not shown) as contemporary masking tape is typically distributed.

In use then, adhesive surface 20 of first portion 16 and second portion 17 are peeled, removed or otherwise released from first and second sides 34 and 35, respectively, of handle portion 30. In one preferred embodiment, first and second portions 16 and 17, respectively, of tape portion 10 are fabricated form a single piece of material. As such, one released, first portion 16 and second portion 17 will naturally tend to return to the original flat state of tape portion 10 and in this manner portions 16 and 17 will become angularly disposed with respect to handle portion 30 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Of course, tape portion 10 need not be fabricated form a single piece of material and further, first and second portions 16 and 17 may be angled or bent manually by the user to numerous configurations. First and second portions 16 and 17, respectively, are then either automatically or manually bent or angled to a desired width “W.”

For descriptive purposes only, and in no way desiring to be limited to the following steps, procedures, or application, the application of tape 10 will be described with references to the tape as: 1) a masking tape; 2) as applied to an automobile; and 3) applied for the purpose of preventing overspray between a pair of panels on the automobile. In use then, width “W” should be larger than the width of the gap 42 between panels 40 and 41. Tape 10 is first inserted into gap 42, wherein the non-adhesive side 14 is the first to be inserted into gap 42. Portions 16 and/or 17 may then compress inwardly (towards handle portion 30) when passing through gap 42. Once inserted, portions 16 and 17 may re-expand (FIG. 4) once on the other side of (or through) the gap. Then, as handle portion 30 is pulled upwardly (opposite of the insertion direction), the adhesive surface 20 of portions 16 and/or 17 will be affixed or adhered to the underside surface(s) 44 and/or 45 of panels 40 and 41, respectively. For example, on one preferred embodiment wherein portions 16 and 17 are approximately equal in size, portions 16 and 17 will be affixed or adhered to the underside surfaces 44 and 45 of panels 40 and 41, respectively, thereby masking the (gap) jamb area and preventing overspray from entering the jamb area. Of course, portions 16 and/or 17 may have numerous other shapes, configurations, lengths, width, and may vary by specification.

Additionally, handle portion 30 may be provided with perforations 36 such that handle 30 may be removed or torn off as may be required for, for example, a subsequent painting operation. However, this is not meant to be limiting in any manner and handle portion 30 need not be perforated, but may be detachable in any manner known in the art. Of course, handle 30 may be permanently attached if so desired. An alternate embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5 wherein handle 30 also includes an adhesive portion 38 of one or both sides 34 and/or 35. In this manner, handle portion 30 can be used in the masking effort to cover a specific area that is not to be painted. For example, referring back to FIG. 4, if panel 40 was to be repaired and painted, but panel 41 did not require painting, the application described previously would be carried out. However, instead of removing handle 30, a release liner (not shown) would be removed from an adhesive strip disposed on second side 35 of handle 30, and handle 30 would be positioned over and adhered to panel 41 and would then act as a cover and protect panel 41, as well as the gap therebetween.

The specific configurations and features of tape 2 may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment, tape 2 is generally T-shaped and is fabricated in a detachable one-piece configuration from a paper backing and a rubberized adhesive. However, the shape of tape 2 or any component thereof may vary according to the specific requirements of the end user. Further, although one preferred embodiment of tape 2 is fabricated from a paper backing and a rubberized adhesive, it is not to be so limited and many other material and adhesives may be used. In addition, although this particular embodiment of tape 2 is fabricated into a one-piece configuration, multiple pieces can be utilized, and assembled by various techniques known in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 6, yet another embodiment of tape 2B is shown wherein handle portion 30B is disposed along an edge of tape portion 10B as illustrated.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a flow chart illustrating a method for applying adhesive tape 10 is provided and comprises: providing an opening which is disposed between a pair of adjacent panels (50). For example, a pair of automotive panels; providing an adhesive tape which comprises: a tape portion, wherein the tape portion includes a first side and a second side, and the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon; a handle portion, the handle portion comprising a first edge, wherein the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion such that the tape portion is divided into at least a first and a second portion (52); the first and the second portions are angularly positioned with respect to the handle portion, wherein the width of the tape portion is wider than the width of the opening (54); the tape portion is then inserted into the opening, wherein the tape portion compresses as the tape portion comes in contact with the opening and is inserted therethrough, and expands when the tape portion is inserted therein (56); the handle portion is then pulled, thereby inducing contact between the adhesive layer of the first side of the tape portion to an underside of at least one of the adjacent panels (58). Typically, the first and the second portions will be bent to an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the handle portion. Further, the handle portion may be removed if desired or folded over adjacent panels if desired.

The method of applying an adhesive tape is described in a step sequence. However, many steps may be accomplished either before, after or simultaneously, as such, the method does not necessarily have a linear sequence of events. It is also to be understood that various modifications may be made to invention, it sequences, methods, orientations, and the like without departing from the inventive concept and that the description contained herein is merely a preferred embodiment and hence, not meant to be limiting unless stated otherwise.

The specific configurations and features of adhesive tape 2 may vary according to specific requirements. In one described and preferred embodiment, adhesive tape 2 is generally T-shaped and handle portion 30 is disposed longitudinally along a center line of first edge 12, forming equal width portion 16 and 17. However, the longitudinal disposition of handle portion 30 may vary according to specific requirements, and need not form equal configurations. Further, although one preferred embodiment of masking adhesive tape 2 includes a handle portion 30 coated with a silicone material, other releasable materials and fabrication techniques may be used.

Advantageously, the adhesive tape of the present invention is efficiently fabricated and elegantly designed. Consequently, the embodiments of the preferred invention disclosed herein reveal an adhesive tape and method of application that has reduced the time and effort which required of a user for proper masking.

The solutions offered by the invention disclosed herein have thus been attained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To whit, a novel adhesive tape that is cost effective, easily installed, and easily removed has been invented. While preferred embodiments and example configurations of the inventions have been herein illustrated, shown, and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations disclosed herein are illustrative of the preferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 

1. An adhesive tape comprising: a tape portion, the tape portion including a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon; a handle portion, the handle portion comprising a first edge; wherein the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally adjacent the first side of the tape portion.
 2. a masking tape supply of claim 1: wherein the tape portion is positionable, longitudinally, along the first edge of the handle portion.
 3. a masking tape supply of claim 1: wherein the handle portion segments the tape portion into at least two areas, and each area of the tape portion is positionable, longitudinally, along the first edge of the handle portion, such that the tape portion may be angularly configured with respect to the handle portion.
 4. a masking tape supply of claim 3: wherein the tape portion is divided into at least two areas.
 5. The adhesive tape of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion is detachably disposed on the tape portion.
 6. The adhesive tape of claim 5, wherein: the handle portion is perforated along the first edge.
 7. The adhesive tape of claim 1, wherein: the first edge of the handle portion is centrally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion.
 8. The adhesive tape of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion comprises a releasable liner.
 9. The adhesive tape of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion further comprises a third and a fourth side, wherein a second adhesive layer is disposed on one or more of the first or the second side.
 10. An adhesive tape comprising: a tape portion, the tape portion including a first side and a second side, wherein at least the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon; a handle portion, the handle portion comprising a first edge; wherein the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion; wherein further, the tape portion is positionable, longitudinally, along the first edge of the handle portion.
 11. a masking tape supply of claim 10: wherein the handle portion segments the tape portion into at least two areas, and each area of the tape portion is positionable, longitudinally, along the first edge of the handle portion, such that the tape portion may be angularly configured to be disposed less than 180 degrees with respect to the handle portion.
 12. The adhesive tape of claim 10, wherein: the handle portion is detachably disposed on the tape portion.
 13. The adhesive tape of claim 12, wherein: the handle portion is perforated along the first edge.
 14. The adhesive tape of claim 10, wherein: the first edge of the handle portion is centrally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion.
 15. The adhesive tape of claim 10, wherein: the handle portion comprises a releasable liner.
 16. The adhesive tape of claim 10, wherein: the handle portion further comprises a third and a fourth side, wherein a second adhesive layer is disposed on one or more of the first or the second side.
 17. An adhesive tape comprising: a tape portion, the tape portion including a first side and a second side, wherein at least the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon; a handle portion, the handle portion comprising a releasable liner, and including a first edge; wherein the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally and centrally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion; wherein the handle portion segments the tape portion into at least two areas, and each area of the tape portion is positionable, longitudinally, along the first edge of the handle portion, such that the tape portion may be angularly configured with respect to the handle portion.
 18. The adhesive tape of claim 17 wherein: the handle portion is detachably disposed on the tape portion.
 19. a method of applying an adhesive tape comprising: providing an opening disposed between a pair of adjacent panels; providing an adhesive tape comprising: a tape portion, the tape portion including a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes an adhesive layer disposed thereon; a handle portion, the handle portion comprising a first edge; wherein the first edge of the handle portion is longitudinally disposed adjacent the first side of the tape portion such that the tape portion is divided into at least a first and a second portion; positioning the first and the second portions angularly with respect to the handle portion, wherein the width of the tape portion is wider than the width of the opening; inserting the tape portion into the opening, wherein the tape portion compresses as the tape portion comes in contact with the opening and is inserted therethrough, and expands when the tape portion is inserted therein; pulling the handle portion, thereby inducing contact between the adhesive layer of the first side of the tape portion to an underside of at least one of the adjacent panels.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: positioning the first and the second portions at an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the handle portion.
 21. The method of claim 19 further comprising: Removing the handle portion.
 22. The method of claim 19 further comprising: Folding the handle portion over one of the adjacent panels.
 23. The method of claim 22 further comprising: Adhering the handle portion to the adjacent panel. 